St Stephen’s High School is a denominational school which serves the communities of Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm and parts of east Greenock. The roll was 575 when the inspection was carried out in March 2010. Young people’s attendance was below the national average in 2008/2009. Plans are underway to build a new shared campus with Port Glasgow High School in 2013, with a decant into St Stephen’s High School scheduled for 2011.

Particular strengths of the school

• The active contribution of all staff to the positive climate for learning and strong Catholic community of faith.
• The behaviour, enterprise and leadership skills of young people, particularly those in the senior school.
• Strong partnerships with the local community which are extending young people’s achievements.
• The headteacher’s vision and leadership which is driving school improvement.

The following areas for improvement have been agreed with the school and education authority:

• Continue to develop more consistent approaches to self-evaluation to ensure improved outcomes for young people across the school.
• Take further steps to more consistently meet the learning needs of all young people and improve arrangements for promoting and tracking their wider achievements.
• Continue to build the confidence of all young people to take responsibility for and become more independent in their learning.